and especially in the key battleground states. do they think they have to shake things up tonight? >> reporter: they absolutely do, george. i talked to a half-dozen advisers over the next 24 hours. and they agree. they have to establish three things. he has to offer a blistering critique of the president. the second thing, though, is criticism within his own party that he needs to offer more details. forward-looking specifics. expected to offer a little more about his tax plan. there's been questions about the tax cuts across the board. which deductions would he eliminate? he's been practicing with that question. they would be surprised, stunned, in fact, if the 47% comments did not come up during this debate. heeds been practicing on that, as well. and lastly, this is their words, he doesn't have to win a charm conte contest, a charm offensive on this stage. he does need to connect with americans and the problems felt by middle-class families. >> jake, one thing romney is likely to bring up tonight. a gaffe by vice president joe biden, where he said the middle class has been burie